Method of determining when electrode pads are unsuitable for use by detecting relative humidity

Abstract

A sealed package for housing an electrical component. The package includes at least two package portions. Determining elements within the sealed package determine at least one parameter including at least one ambient condition within the package and/or an electrical function parameter of the component. An indicator is operatively connected to the determining elements to indicate the functionality of the component within the sealed package.

What is claimed:  
     
       1. A sealed package for housing an electrical component, the package comprising: 
       determining means within the sealed package for determining at least one parameter including at least one ambient condition within the sealed package; and  
       an indicator operatively connected to the determining means to indicate the functionality of the component within the sealed package without having to unseal the package,  
       wherein the parameter comprises humidity and the determining means and indicator are integral and comprise a humidity detector that includes humidity sensitive ink, wherein said ink changes color as the humidity level changes and  
       further wherein the indicator further comprises at least one reference region that indicates ink color corresponding to at least one of acceptable and unacceptable humidity levels.  
     
     
       2. The package according to  claim 1 , wherein the indicator is visible form outside of the sealed package and at least a portion of the package is at least partially transparent. 
     
     
       3. A sealed package for housing an electrical component, the package comprising: 
       determining means within the sealed package for determining at least one parameter including at least one ambient condition within the sealed package; and  
       an indicator operatively connected to the determining means to indicate the functionality of the component within the sealed package without having to unseal the package,  
       wherein the parameter comprises humidity and the determining means comprises a humidity sensor,  
       and further wherein the humidity sensor further includes at least one lead wire that extends from the sealed package for operatively connecting to an apparatus external to the package.  
     
     
       4. The package according to  claim 3 , wherein the component includes electrodes for contacting a patient's skin, the electrodes comprising a hydrogel layer, wherein the external apparatus comprises a device that the electrodes are to be operatively connected to, the indicator being included with the device, and wherein the sensor transmits the humidity to the device via the at least one lead wire. 
     
     
       5. The package according to  claim 4 , wherein the device comprises one of a defibrillator, an electroencephalograph or an electrocardiograph. 
     
     
       6. A method for determining functionality of a component in a sealed package, the method comprising: 
       determining at least one parameter comprising at least one ambient condition within the sealed package without having to unseal the package;  
       determining whether the parameter corresponds to an acceptable value at which the component functions; and  
       indicating whether the parameter corresponds to an acceptable operational value for the component,  
       wherein determining the at least one parameter comprises operatively connecting the component to a device external to the package, and  
       further wherein the at least one ambient condition comprises humidity.